Toulon have confirmed the signing of England U20 forward Junior Kpoku from Racing 92 on a loan deal until the end of the season.
The move was confirmed following reports in French outlet Midi Olymique this week.
The 20-year-old has been the centre of plenty of transfer speculation over the past month, with a potential return to England on the cards.
He remains contracted with Racing until 2027, but has fallen out of favour with head coach Patrice Collazo in the French capital this season.
The loan deal means that the option is still on the table for Gallagher PREM clubs to buy the versatile forward out of his contract at the end of the season, an idea that Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson has mooted in recent weeks.
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Investec Champions Cup
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A return to England would make Kpoku eligible to be selected by Steve Borthwick for the national team, where he could make a tilt for selection for the World Cup at the end of next year.
The 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship winner’s return to England may come sooner than anticipated, with Toulon travelling to Kingsholm this Saturday to take on Gloucester, with a place in the Investec Champions Cup play-offs on the line.
Toulon sporting director Laurent Emmanuelli said: “The arrival of Junior Kpoku addresses an immediate need for reinforcement in our pack.
“He is a young player with enormous potential, a powerful and athletic profile, capable of playing in both the second and back rows. This loan will allow him to continue his development while providing us with a valuable solution for the end of the season.”
Racing released a brief statement confirming his departure: “Racing 92 announce the loan departure of their second-row, Junior Kpoku, to RC Toulon.
“The young Racing player (20 years old) joins the Var club on loan until the end of the 2025-2026 season.
“Racing 92 wishes him great success in his new colours.”